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Office of the Ombuds

The Office of the Ombuds provides parents, students, and members of the school community confidential, impartial, and informal assistance in resolving school-related concerns, conflicts, and issues.

The people who visit the Ombuds' office may do so for many reasons. The office seeks to empower these individuals to overcome their disputes, conflicts, and barriers by helping them to find options for the best possible resolutions.

The Ombuds' role is two-fold: first to help the individual and second to help the organization.

For the individual, the Ombuds will:
  • Listen to concerns and clarify options
  • Identify the underlying cause of the conflict
  • Provide information
  • Explore options as appropriate
For the organization, the Ombuds will:
  • Provide feedback
  • Serve as an early warning system
  • Collect data on emerging trends and patterns
  • Utilize this data to identify systemic concerns

Contact Us

  • Office of the Ombuds

    Address:
    Independent Hill Complex, 14800 Joplin Rd., T 50-01, Manassas, VA 20112
    Phone: 703-791-8587
    Email: [email protected]

  • Monique "Mo" Bookstein

    Ombuds

    Monique "Mo" Bookstein joined PWCS in January 2022. Before joining PWCS, she served as an Ombuds with the federal government. In this position, she empowered employees to constructively resolve work issues and served as an early warning system to executive leadership on issues that had a profound effect on the organization’s operations, morale, and reputation. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland in legal studies and a master's degree from Lewis University in organizational leadership. She also holds a certificate in Organizational Development and Conflict Resolution from the Northern Virginia Mediation Service. She is a member in good standing with the International Ombuds Association, the United States Ombudsman Association, and the Association for Conflict Resolution.

  • Rosamaria Manzines

    Ombuds Specialist

    Rosamaria Manzines joined the school division in September 2010. Among other functions, she has served as an executive secretary. Before joining PWCS, she worked for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland and for Alhambra Unified School District in California. She has more than 25 years of experience working in different school settings. Rosamaria received an associate degree from Los Angeles Community College, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Mary Washington, and a Certificate in Conflict Resolution from Cornell University. She is a certified mediator and an active member of the International Ombuds Association.